No matter how much the paranormal politics of Atlanta change, one thing always remains the same: if there’s trouble, Kate Daniels will be in the middle of it…

As the mate of the Beast Lord, Curran, former mercenary Kate Daniels has more responsibilities than it seems possible to juggle. Not only is she still struggling to keep her investigative business afloat, she must now deal with the affairs of the pack, including preparing her people for attack from Roland, a cruel ancient being with god-like powers. Since Kate’s connection to Roland has come out into the open, no one is safe—especially those closest to Kate.

As Roland’s long shadow looms ever nearer, Kate is called to attend the Conclave, a gathering of the leaders from the various supernatural factions in Atlanta. When one of the Masters of the Dead is found murdered there, apparently at the hands of a shapeshifter, Kate is given only twenty-four hours to hunt down the killer. And this time, if she fails, she’ll find herself embroiled in a war which could destroy everything she holds dear…

An action packed roller coaster ride!! Brilliantly inventive, smoothly plotted, Magic Breaks will NOT let you put it down until the very last sentence!!

There are some books I just can't review in my normal format. Magic Breaks is one of them. I read it twice before I even tried to write this review. I think we were all on the edge of our seats and wiping tears from our eyes at the end of Magic Rises, at least I was. Magic Breaks picks up not long after Magic Rises...

First things first, I loved the idea Ilona Andrews used to list the major characters in the beginning of the book. It not only helps new readers but jogged my memory on many things. In addition, the synopsis provided by Barabas' journal entry did the same for the storyline. I was very glad we get some if not most of Ghastek's back story.

And now the nitty gritty. Magic Breaks takes off from the get go. Take a deep breath and just go with it. There's no other way to read/listen to this story. Like most readers of the Kate Daniels series, we've been anxiously awaiting Kate's meeting with her father, Roland. We knew it was coming and this is it or is it?

Hugh (as*hole) d'Ambray makes an early entrance and shakes things up, a lot. ***Spoiler maybe. For those of you who thought Hugh wasn't as bad as he should have been in Magic Rises, he more than makes up for it in this story***

I'm not going to mention or go over they synopsis of Magic Breaks. What I would like to talk about is the writing and it's effect on me. This is probably one of the most dazzling pieces of work I've read in a while. The action is intense almost from the very beginning. I wanted to hold my breath and not let go. You'd think this might not be a good thing because somewhere you have to breathe, right? Well, that's the next thing...the pacing/flow of the story.

The pacing just kept you going. There were build ups to each event and even when one "problem" was solved, it segued right into the next situation. Very smoothly and cleverly done on Ms/Mr Andrews' part. The range of feelings evoked by each major scene is unbelievable. I was cheering, I was crying and my stomach was tense and sometimes upset! That's how I like my books. Magic Breaks more than delivered!

The plotting of this story was just awe inspiring. I knew from interviews and other media events, the story arc was going to be completed in Magic Breaks and the Andrews' planned more books. How would this work? Would there be a huge let down at the end? Would it be like a "new" Kate Daniels series with the next book? While Magic Breaks is everything I could have wished for, the ending was jaw dropping and just lip smacking, bloody brilliant. I have no other words. It was done so cleverly, I just could not believe it!! I wanted to stand up and yell "Bravo"! (Now I wonder, is this the ending the Andrews always had in store or did it change with their contract for more books in the series? Inquiring minds want to know).

Yep, I was that impressed. There are reasons Magic Breaks will not be my favorite in the series (I can't say because there are spoilers. Plus after reading it the second time through, I realized there was no other way to do what had to be done) but it is one of the top 3!! I also can't wait to get the audio book. I was very lucky to get an ARC. I have my signed hardcover copy on pre-order and can't wait to hear it on audio!

Hi, I loved your review and can't wait until I have Magic Breaks in my hands. You mentioned the story arc and that it ends in Magic Breaks and a new story arc will start. You also mention that you got those information from interviews etc. Do you still know where you read it? It's the first time I've heard about this and I would love to read up on it.

Hi Corina,
Glad you enjoyed the review. I read so much about the Andrews, I honestly don't remember where I read it or heard it in an interview. When you read Magic Breaks, the change in story arc will be clear. The reasoning behind it was the addition of 3 books in the series. This would have been the final book.
Sorry I couldn't be more helpful.

Hey there. The authors actually write a forward to the book and tell readers this. They wanted to reassure readers that there at least three more books. I didn't realize it was the end of the arc before I picked it up and started the book. But I believe there was some discussion on the Ilona blog too.

Reply

Dolly

7/29/2014 07:20:58 am

You're absolutely right Jen. I forgot about the forward as I was engrossed in the book. LOL